The location of "world-first" mobile phone detection cameras will not be revealed to drivers on roads, in a decision by the government that has divided road safety advocates.
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The NSW Government's mobile phone detection cameras switch on this Sunday.
Transport for NSW said to deter people from breaking the law and putting people's lives at risk, and people need to believe they could be caught anywhere on the road network at any time.
"There will not be fixed signs at the mobile phone detection camera locations," a spokesperson said.
"Transport for NSW will use Variable Message Signs and install fixed signs on key routes to ensure drivers are aware of the camera recorded enforcement of mobile phone offences.
"An advertising campaign is also running on TV, radio, social media, billboards and printed materials to advise of the cameras operating in warning mode for the first three months. Penalties will apply once the [three-month] warning period has concluded."
Founder of Wagga's Traffic Offenders Intervention Program, Jon Morgan, said he welcomes the use of technology to make roads safer.
The new system uses high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence to detect offending drivers illegally using their phone behind the wheel. It can operate both day and night and in all weather conditions.
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"Everyone knows it is the wrong thing to be doing," Mr Morgan said. "You should not need a sign to tell you to obey the law. If you are doing the right thing, then you have nothing to fear."
The Transport for NSW spokesperson added that the cameras would operate in locations that meet one or more criteria and ensure geographical spread of deterrence.
"The program aims to reach over 95 per cent of the NSW population through a mix of metropolitan and regional deployments," they said.
NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said the company called for these cameras, and think they are a great addition to road safety tools.
But he added that putting warning signs where the cameras are is the right thing to do.
"Most people want to do the right thing, and there is nothing wrong with reminding them to do the right thing," he said.
"All the revenues do go back into the community road safety fund, and while it might not be their motivation, the income will rise.
"We must bring the community along the journey, and transparency is crucial when we are talking about road safety measures."
Mr Khoury said that 10 years ago, not everyone had smartphones and the detection technology is a world-first.
Because of this, he added, the cameras should be signposted as it is a relatively new issue.
For the first three months, drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera will receive a warning letter. After that drivers cop a $344 fine or a $457 fine in a school zone, and five demerit points - 10 during double demerit periods.
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